ADDIS ABABA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Experts from Ethiopia and Djibouti have on Friday discussed the technical and legal frameworks of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, which is expected to start commercial service in October.
The joint committee in its meeting on Friday has also discussed the progresses made concerning the construction of additional lines that connects the main railway line with dry ports, petrol depots, and the Djibouti port.
The technical and legal frameworks of the Ethiop-Djibouti railway along with the construction of connecting lines will be completed within the coming two months, local media FBC quoted Ethiopia's state Minister of Transport Abdisa Yadeta as saying on Friday.
Electric power supply to the electrified rail line was also another area of discussion among experts of the two Horn of Africa countries, it was noted.
The two neighboring countries have signed an agreement in January this year to establish a joint company that manages the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway, which was previously handled by companies of the respective countries.
Built by Chinese companies, the railway line will also provide passenger service with an average speed of 120 km per hour and a single coach holding 118 passengers at a time.
The first 320 km of the rail project from Sebeta to Mieso was carried out by China Rail Engineering Corporation while the remaining 436 km from Mieso to Djibouti port section was built by China Railway Group.
The electrified rail line, once operational, is expected to cut transportation time needed for goods from Djibouti port to Ethiopia's capital from at least two days to 10 hours.
